Of all the tissues in our body, the skin has among the greatest capacity to regenerate itself. That's a good thing, considering that the skin provides a protective barrier between our inside environment and an often hostile outer environment.

Scars are a leftover sign of the skin's attempt to heal itself. A break in the skin is quickly repaired, but the new skin is distinct in its properties and appearance. This frequently results in scars that don't go away. Generally speaking, major scars from surgery or trauma take about six to twelve months to fade to their "final" color.

Early scars are red or purple in color, a result of broken blood vessels and inflammation. These scars are called hyperpigmented. Mature scars are pale or white in color; over time, cell damage from the broken blood vessels and inflammation have resulted in the loss of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. Skin that lacks pigment is called hypopigmented. Another term for hypopigmented skin is leukoderma.

People differ in the severity of how they scar. Genetics are believed to play a role in the process. The wound healing process involves a cascade of events and many factors are involved in the repair.

New treatments have been developed that can help scars fade into memory, where most people think they belong.

Continue to: Typical Treatments